February 2024 Newsletter
Website | Volunteer | Support People with Down syndrome are living longer and looking for love and companionship, thus breaking the societal barriers that have prevented their love from growing. Watch this short story about a loving couple, from our Sacramento location, Charlotte and Stephen. See the video here...
Ways to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day 2024
When is World Down Syndrome Day? World Down Syndrome Day is on March 21, this date was picked to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. How do you celebrate World Down Syndrome Day? World Down Syndrome Day is coming up, and...
Stephen and Charlotte – found each other at GiGi’s Playhouse
Charlotte and her mother, Amy, discuss the impact of GiGi's Playhouse on their lives. Charlotte struggled with making friends and feeling validated before finding GiGi's Playhouse. The organization provided a supportive and accepting environment where Charlotte feels beautiful and loved. Similarly, Steven, who had become isolated and depressed during the...
GiGi’s Playhouse Makes Historic Debut with Super Bowl Program Ad
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 11, 2024 - GiGi's Playhouse, the only network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, has marked a significant milestone by securing its first-ever advertisement in the prestigious Super Bowl LVIII Program. This groundbreaking achievement not only serves as a testament to the organization's growing visibility and impact...
Why attend GiGi’s Educator Symposium: Teaching Strategies for Individuals with Down Syndrome?
The GiGi’s Educator Symposium is FREE, VIRTUAL and INFORMATIVE! Are you interested in Learning from a team of experienced educators and therapists? Learning strategies for teaching individuals with Down syndrome to implement on Monday? Learning how individuals with Down syndrome learn best? Learning the “why” behind strategies you may already...
January 2024 Newsletter
Website | Volunteer | Support Hello GiGi’s Believers! This monthly correspondence goes out to the entire GiGi’s Playhouse Network. You are part of an elite army of game-changers! This email is designed to alert you to national and international Down syndrome news, crisis in the Ds community, program...
What does it mean to be a part of GiGi’s Playhouse?
Video Transcription: Mike Cirigliano: Hi. My name's Mike Cirigliano. I'm president of the board at GiGi's Playhouse Long Island, and my role is to support our board, our participants, and our volunteers the best that I can. GiGi's Playhouse is a center, a destination, a place to me that supports...
GiGi’s was like oxygen for me
Elena and her husband had been trying to become pregnant for nine years. They had almost given up hope when Elena decided to take one last pregnancy test. The test came back positive. Very early in her pregnancy, they were diagnosed with Down syndrome and hydrocephalus (water on the brain),...
10 things you can do for Down syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome. This annual observance aims to educate the public about this genetic condition and celebrate the achievements and abilities of those who have it. If you're looking for ways to get...
Summertime Fun!
Woo Hoo Summer is here!! We are ready for sunshine, popsicles, sprinklers/pools, s’mores, and lots of fun family time! But let’s not forget that our children’s learning doesn’t stop just because school is not in session. This is a critical time for them to continue learning. As parents, we all...
A letter to Jesus from Jr
The following is a letter written by Wayne Dunlap. Wayne's son, Jr, was born with Down syndrome and is non-verbal. Recently, Wayne stated that teachers, bus drivers, and therapists have been reporting negative feedback about his son. Wayne knew his son better than anyone else and wanted to help raise...